President Donald Trump’s approval rating has recently plunged to its lowest level since he assumed office, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction fueled by a sharp increase in fuel prices and widespread unease over the ongoing conflict with Iran. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over four days, concluding on Monday, revealed that only 36% of Americans currently approve of Trump’s job performance, marking a notable decline from 40% just a week earlier.
This downward trend in public opinion comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, launched on February 28, have severely disrupted oil supplies, causing gasoline prices to surge across the United States. The economic fallout from these developments has hit home for many Americans, with just 25% expressing approval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living—an issue that was central to his 2024 presidential campaign platform.
Furthermore, only 29% of respondents endorsed Trump’s management of the economy, marking the lowest economic approval rating of his current administration and falling below the ratings of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. This is particularly significant given that economic concerns, especially the rising cost of living, played a pivotal role in Biden’s electoral defeat. Trump had campaigned vigorously on promises to revitalize the economy, but the recent poll suggests that many voters remain unconvinced by his efforts thus far.
Political analysts interpret these figures as indicative of a president grappling with considerable public opposition. Amanda Makki, a Republican political strategist and attorney, emphasized the importance of the administration communicating empathy and forthcoming assistance to the American people, stating, “It’s important that people know that the president feels their pain and that help is on the way.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s standing within his own party remains relatively robust. Approximately 80% of Republicans continue to approve of his overall performance, a figure that has remained fairly stable compared to last week’s 85%. However, there has been a noticeable increase in Republican dissatisfaction regarding his handling of the cost of living, which rose from 27% to 34% disapproval in just seven days.
It is worth noting that Trump’s overall approval rating started at 47% during the early days of his presidency and has hovered around 40% since last summer. Although this is above the 33% low point of his first term and slightly better than Biden’s lowest approval rating of 35%, the recent escalation in the Iran conflict threatens to erode these numbers further. The president initially campaigned on avoiding “stupid wars,” yet the ongoing military engagement in Iran appears to be reshaping public perception.
The poll also highlights shifting attitudes toward the U.S. strikes on Iran, with only 35% of Americans approving of the military action, down from 37% the previous week. Conversely, disapproval has increased to 61%, up from 59%. Earlier surveys conducted immediately after the initial strikes showed a higher level of uncertainty among respondents, but the latest poll removed the option to express ambivalence, with 5% declining to answer the question on the war.
Concerns about national security loom large, as 46% of those surveyed believe the conflict in Iran will ultimately make the United States less safe, while only 26% think it will enhance security. The remainder feel the war will have little impact either way. Despite recent statements from Trump suggesting the conflict may soon de-escalate, Iran has denied any ongoing negotiations, and reports indicate that the U.S. plans to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the near future.
The economic repercussions of the conflict are already being felt nationwide. Since the onset of hostilities, the average price of gasoline in America has risen by approximately one dollar per gallon, a surge attributed to the disruption of oil shipments from the Middle East. Experts warn that sustained high fuel prices could have broader negative effects on the overall economy. Reflecting this anxiety, 63% of Americans describe the U.S. economy as either “somewhat weak” or “very weak,” including 40% of Republicans, 66% of independents, and 84% of Democrats.
In a related development, Democratic strategist Doug Farrar pointed out that these economic and security concerns present a significant opportunity for Democrats to make gains in the upcoming midterm elections by focusing on issues traditionally associated with Republican priorities, such as national security, the economy, and immigration.
Despite Trump’s declining popularity, this has not translated into a clear advantage for Democrats in the race to control Congress. The poll found that 38% of registered voters believe Republicans are better equipped to manage the economy, compared to 34% who favor Democrats. Republicans also hold an edge on immigration and crime, while Democrats maintain leads on healthcare and women’s rights.
The survey, conducted online across the United States, gathered responses from 1,272 adults and carries a margin of error of three percentage points, underscoring the volatility and complexity of public opinion as the nation navigates economic challenges and geopolitical tensions.
